After 40 years as a police officer, Detective Ben Mortensen with the Albert Lea Police Department signed off for the last time on Friday night. Mortensen had been with the Albert Lea Police Department for 30 of his 40 years in law enforcement.

Detective Mortensen signed off on Friday night after completing his last day on the job and was honored by the dispatch team and his fellow officers. You can listen to his last radio sign-off below.

 

Mortensen's career spanned not only those 30 years in Albert Lea but 10 years with the Alden Police Department acting not only as the Chief of police but as Alden's only officer at the time. Ben also in his career spent some time with the West Concord Police Department and the New Richland Police Department.

The audio send-off featured many other officers at the time wishing Ben well, thanking him for his service, as well as wishing him well now that he is retired. The Police Department held an open house today for members of the public to stop out and wish Detective Mortensen well.

I was lucky enough to have some interaction with Detective Mortensen during my time in Albert Lea. Ben was an instructor in the Citizens Academy that selects members of the public to participate in a 10 week-long immersive academy that shows the day-to-day work that an Albert Lea police officer encounters.

Ben was one of those people that was easy with a hello or a smile and was always willing to give you a straight answer to any question you might have. Best wishes in retirement Ben.

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